How to Cook Tortang Okra

Tortang okra is a flavorful Filipino omelet made with tender okra, eggs, and spices, offering a delightful combination of soft texture and light crunch.

Prep Time10

Cook Time4

Total Time14

Course: Vegetable Recipe

Cuisine: Filipino

Keyword: okra omelet, tortang okra

Servings: 6 pcs

Calories: 198kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

2 cups okra sliced thinly
3 Tbsp. red onion minced
2 pcs raw eggs
3 Tbsp. spring onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp fine salt
1/8 tsp chili powder optional
1/4 cup rice flour
1/4 cup cooking oil

Instructions

How to cook tortang okra:

Heat a non-stick pan with a little oil and saute the okra until all the sides are seared for about 2 minutes to reduce the slimy texture. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and add the okra, onion, spring onion, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, chili powder and rice flour. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
Heat oil in a frying pan and put about one and a half tablespoon of the okra mixture and form into a round or circular patties. Make 2 to 3 patties per batch but avoid sticking the edges to each other.
Fry 3 to 4 minutes on one side then flip to cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes. After cooking remove from the pan and drain in paper towels or colander to drain excess oil. Repeat the same process on the rest of the okra mixture. Serve hot.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Sauté Okra to Reduce Sliminess

Pre-cooking the okra by sautéing it for a few minutes helps reduce its natural sliminess. This step is essential if you prefer a smoother texture in your omelet. By searing the okra, you also lock in its flavor while keeping it tender.

Add Rice Flour for a Crispy Texture

Incorporating a small amount of rice flour into the mixture gives your omelet a satisfying crunch, similar to that of okoy. The flour creates a light crispy coating as it fries, which contrasts beautifully with the soft egg and okra. If you prefer a healthier option, you can omit the flour, but it definitely adds a delicious twist.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Frying

When frying the patties, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each one cooks evenly. This allows heat to circulate properly, giving the patties a nice, golden-brown crust on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, which prevents them from crisping up perfectly.